July 30th is World Day Against Trafficking Persons. Human trafficking has profound and severe impacts on the mental health of survivors. The experience of being trafficked often involves extreme trauma and abuse, leading to a range of psychological and emotional issues. Some of the common mental health effects include:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Many survivors of human trafficking develop PTSD due to the traumatic events they have experienced. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the trauma.
- Depression: Chronic feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities are common. Depression can be severe and long-lasting, affecting daily functioning.
- Anxiety Disorders: Survivors often experience generalized anxiety, panic attacks, and social anxiety. The constant fear and stress during trafficking can lead to long-term anxiety disorders.
- Substance Abuse: In an attempt to cope with their trauma, some survivors may turn to drugs or alcohol, which can lead to substance abuse and dependency.
- Dissociation: Many survivors may experience dissociation, where they feel disconnected from themselves and their surroundings. This can be a coping mechanism to deal with extreme stress and trauma.
- Trust Issues and Relationship Difficulties: Having been betrayed and exploited by traffickers, survivors often struggle with trusting others, leading to difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships.
- Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts: The intense emotional pain and hopelessness can lead to self-harming behaviors and suicidal ideation. In severe cases, this can result in suicide attempts.
- Low Self-Esteem and Shame: Survivors often struggle with feelings of worthlessness and shame, believing they are to blame for their situation or feeling stigmatized by society.
- Complex Trauma: This involves long-term effects of multiple traumatic events, leading to issues with emotional regulation, consciousness, self-perception, and relationships.
- Somatic Symptoms: Psychological distress can manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and chronic pain without a clear medical cause.